HEALTH chiefs in Bolton are urging people to steer clear of A & E unless it is a genuine emergency.

Andy Ennis, chief operating officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, says that the department at Royal Bolton Hospital is struggling to cope with the demand from patients.

Although the Trust achieved the minimum 95 per cent target for A & E patients to be admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours in the period July to September, it was highly unlikely to achieve it for the period October, November and December.

The performance in October was 92 per cent and has been deteriorating.

Mr Ennis said: "Until recent weeks the Royal Bolton Hospital had one of the best A & E performances in the country, but now even we are struggling with the demand. There seem to be many reasons why this is happening including a generally older and therefore sicker population who do need hospital treatment. However many people who come to A and E did not need to be here — coughs and colds are not emergencies.

"Unnecessary attendances at A & E mean longer waits for patients and extra pressure on our staff throughout the Trust. Our staff have worked valiantly to cope with the demand but we need local people to help by only coming to the department when really necessary."

NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging people in Bolton to consider the other options such as going to their GP or seeing a pharmacist.

The group is advising that viruses such as coughs, colds and sore throats can be treated effectively at home, by getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids, whereas pharmacies are available for expert advice without an appointment and over the counter medicines.

Those who are still unwell are urged to seek help at their GP or by using the out of hours service when their practice is closed.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chair of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "We are committed to ensuring that patients are seen by the right person, at the right place and time. This is essential if we are to improve patient safety and the quality of care. A and E is not the right place for those with more minor illnesses and injuries."